You DO NOT need to pull the water pump. The pad is just outside the gasket line, it can easily be found because it is milled smooth. You will most likely have to scrape off paint, and then wipe with laquer thinner. I use a white acrylic model paint and dip my finger in the jar, then wipe it across the area, and the paint sticks in the stampings that you can hardly see with the eye. Look from the bottom, sort of behind the lower hose.

This is my original YT engine before detailing, showing the effect of the white paint on the engine code:


Sorry, I didn't take pictures of the VIN.